The Sun City Anglers Charter Club’s Membership met on Wednesday, June 19, in the Birch/Cedar Room of Prairie Lodge to thank their outgoing President, Randy Johnson, with cake and a plaque acknowledging his service as club president for the past eight years. One of the members also prepared a pictorial remembrance book of those years.
Francis Rowinski beautifully encapsulated Johnson’s dedication: “Randy has been deeply devoted to our Angler’s Club, tirelessly working to create a space where anglers of all skill levels can grow and find new friends. His instrumental role in organizing fishing tournaments at Wildflower Lake twice a month during each fishing season is a testament to his unwavering commitment.”
Outgoing Angler’s Club President Randy Johnson receives a plaque expressing the club’s thanks for his service. (Photo by Christine Such/My Sun Day News)
Johnson also shared his passion for fishing by coordinating a Fishing Derby for Grandchildren and working with the Grandma, Grandpa, & Me Charter Club, a fun fishing event. The Anglers provided bait, measured and identified the fish caught, helped release the fish, and even put the bait on the hook.
Mike and Cindy Ptak said, “We would like to thank Randy for his years of service, especially regarding his participation in and enthusiasm for the annual fishing derby that Grandma, Grandpa, & Me, along with the Angler’s Club, hosted for our grandkids. He was meticulous, generous, and very cooperative. It was always a joy to work with him.”
Johnson sought fishing specialists who talked about various fishing techniques at membership meetings. He also reached out to the community and invited female residents to join and participate in the club’s activities, fostering a sense of inclusivity and diversity.
Bill Keehan, an Angler, said, “I have known various corporate leaders who were articulate, compassionate, responsive, and dedicated to the company’s overall health and concerns. Randy Johnson certainly embodies all of these and then some. I first met Randy Johnson at a block Christmas party when he asked me to join the Angler’s Club. I want to share a story about fishing with Randy at the lake where I lived before I moved to Sun City. As a typical fisherman with larger-than-life stories, I built up that lake as nothing more than ‘shooting fish in a barrel.’ We had a productive day, and Randy exclaimed that he had never caught a bass that big. When it was time to pack up and go home, I asked Randy for one of the lures in his tackle box because I hadn’t brought mine. Of course, Randy said, ‘Help yourself.’ I wanted to troll the lake one time as I was told they had put muskie in there after I moved away. Several minutes later, my rod bent, and this muskie came to the surface. He helped me net that fish; today, it’s still the only muskie I’ve caught, and the memory will remain with me. I can only hope that the memory of that day will stay with Randy.”
Angler’s Board of Directors member Lori Lindahl said, “I have known Randy for four years. I would describe Randy as personable, compassionate, empathetic, persistent, approachable, supportive, enthusiastic, and relentlessly positive. While working with Randy on the Board, it was not uncommon for him to go over and above what was required of someone in the President’s position. And he did it without complaints, even when his health was challenging. He loved leading the Anglers Club, working with the Board, and interacting with club members about fishing or non-fishing topics such as family, life, or health issues. But the most unique thing about Randy is his laugh, oh my goodness, that laugh. It’s a hilarious version of a modern-day Woody Woodpecker. Once he gets going, you can’t help but laugh right along with him.”
Rowinski said, “In everything he did, Randy sought to address the concerns and needs of our club’s Membership and to constantly create and foster fresh ideas and new activities. He will leave a legacy that will provide a standard and goal for all those who succeed him.”
Johnson, accepting the plaque and photo books, said, “Membership makes the club. I will still be around.”
Referring to the photo book capturing Johnson’s Fishing moments, Johnson said, “The photo books that have been created reflect our Club’s History, and I hope that they continue to document our activities.”
